"It is a big step for us” - Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal fans what deadline day signing Raheem Sterling will bring to the team
Mikel Arteta has talked up Raheem Sterling and explained to fans why Arsenal signed the Chelsea winger on loan. The 82-cap England international joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day.
Sterling, 29, will miss his new club's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates today (August 31). His new manager, Arteta, spoke highly of his qualities and how he can improve the team in an interview with TNT Sports:
"We all know the qualities. It’s a big step for us. We have brought in a top talent who has a lot of experience who can contribute to the team in a big way."
Sterling struggled to impress while at Stamford Bridge but previously excelled when working with Arteta while he was an assistant at Manchester City. He bagged 131 goals and 73 assists in 339 games.
Arteta alluded to this:
"He has got these numbers because he was playing under a great manager with great players around them. If we do that he is going to score goals and cause issues for the opponent."
Sterling has a point to prove at Arsenal after a disappointing spell at Chelsea. New Blues boss Enzo Maresca told him he wasn't part of his plans in west London.
Raheem Sterling reportedly turned down lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia to seal Arsenal move
Raheem Sterling was heavily expected to leave Chelsea in the summer but a departure didn't take place until deadline day. Arsenal director Edu has admitted that the club weren't looking to swoop for him until the opportunity arose late on.
The Daily Mirror reports that Sterling snubbed a jaw-dropping offer of £650-000 per week from Saudi Arabia. Those wages would have been tax-free for the four-time Premier League champion.
The Saudi Pro League has proven to be a polarizing destination for high-profile European stars. Sterling's former England teammate Jordan Henderson spent just a few months at Al-Ettiifaq before becoming disillusioned with life in the Middle East.
Ivan Toney has opted to head to Saudi after spending the summer linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. He completed a £40 million move from Brentford to Al-Ahli yesterday and will reportedly earn around £330,000-per-week, per talkSPORT.
Sterling lost his place in the Three Lions' national team setup while at Stamford Bridge. He could be eyeing a return to international football by returning to his best at Arsenal.